Parking fears in PO move
Plans to move Motherwell’s post office could cause car parking chaos.
Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows and Motherwell Southeast and Ravenscraig councillor Alan Valentine visited the Pollock Street car park this week after concerns were raised by residents.
There are fears that an overflowing car park would reduce access and the new location would be difficult to reach for elderly and disabled residents.
Plans have been made to move the Post Office from Brandon Street to the Day-Today store in Muir Street.
MP Marion said: “Moving the Post Office to Muir Street would create a parking nightmare in the Pollock Street car park.
“Many of those who currently use the car park are commuters using the train, so their cars sit there for long periods of time.
“Even today, on a holiday Friday, there were people parking on pavements. It is already overflowing.
“Currently, people can use the larger car park located at the other side of the shopping precinct and the surrounding areas. Access would be drastically reduced for the community.
“This is especially true at peak hours in the afternoon when many residents have queued out the door waiting to be served. It is a popular community asset.
“Access for the elderly and people with mobility issues in particular is also a huge concern. For these people, distance makes all the difference.
“We need a community asset to serve the community. Not a managed decline that will result in Tory privatisation.”
The plans are currently out to consultation.
Members of the public can object by emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk.
Councillor Valentine, himself a member of the Communication Workers Union, added: “The move would not be a practical option for parking or for any proposed new Post Office.
“The Post Office is fine where it is and it should be left there.”